Adelanto animal control under investigation

Thursday

Mar 13, 2008 at 11:57 AMMar 14, 2008 at 12:02 PM

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ADELANTO — An Adelanto animal control employee was put on administrative leave Thursday following a San Bernardino County Sheriff's investigation into animal cruelty allegations including the possible drowning of young and injured animals, sources told the Daily Press.

As of Thursday afternoon, a second employee was expected to be placed on administrative leave, according to City Manager Jim Hart.

Sheriff's officials confirmed they have forwarded their animal cruelty investigation to the District Attorney's office for consideration of possible charges. No arrests have been made, said sheriff's spokesperson Arden Wiltshire.

The case is under review, said Susan Mickey, a spokesperson for the D.A.'s office.

"It's my understanding that we've gotten some reports," Mickey said. "But I don't have a name. There's been no case filed, there won't be (Thursday) even if they're is enough to do so."

The case reportedly involves repeated instances of city employees putting kittens and injured animals in a cage and drowning them, according to a source who asked not to be identified.

Another source who contacted the Daily Press indicated that the animals were destroyed and buried in the desert to save the cost of taking the animals to the animal shelter in Apple Valley for humane destruction.

Hart said he was told about the allegations and investigation by sheriff's officials Tuesday night and that City Council was informed Wednesday night.

"In my job, people bring allegations to me on a regular basis about employees and what they are doing or are not doing," Hart said. "We always take a look at it to make sure that there are some foundations behind what's being alleged. In many cases, the allegations are not correct."

Adelanto Mayor Jim Nehmens said, "It's a personnel issue. It's an ongoing investigation. As far as I know, there have been allegations made and there is no comment at this time."